Must See: YouTubers (Beauty Gurus)

It's no secret how much I love YouTube... So, I wanted to dedicate today's post to some of my favorite Beauty Gurus. The truth is that if it weren't for these amazing people I wouldn't know as much about beauty products, application, brands, & techniques as I do now (of course, I'm no expert... not even close!). Not only are they informative, but they're entertaining and most of all inspiring.

Bear in mind these are just some of my favorites (if I were to include all of them this would be a very long post!). Let's start the list! Also, I have linked their channels (just click on the names).

From right to left: Michele1218, Gossmakeupartist, CheckInTheMirror, Amarixe, Itsjudytime (All pictures were pulled from each respective Intagram)

Michele1218: If I'm not mistaken, I've been watching Michele the longest (even before she got engaged, married, and had a baby! Actually, before I created a YT account). One of the things that I have always loved about Michele is how honest and specific her reviews & tutorials are. Oh, and she really knows her stuff! Make sure you check out her "Battle/Comparison" videos (they're spot-on and not to mention awesome!).

Gossmakeupartist: Where do I begin...? I have learned so much from watching Wayne. With 15 (or plus) years of experience in the makeup industry, it seems like there is nothing that he doesn't know. If he recommends it, you best believe I'm looking into it! Wayne has never failed me. On his channel you'll find great tips & amazing reviews. Honestly, he's like the best friend you have always wanted.

CheckInTheMirror: Rachel is the epitome of lovely! Plus, she has amazing taste! I just love how insightful her reviews & tutorials are. And, her cheerful bubbly personality is absolutely infectious. Her channel is not all about beauty, it's also about fashion, food, health, and home decor. I should also mention that her husband, Byron, also has a channel (ByronTalbott) where he shares amazing recipes. Make sure to subscribe to both of them!

Amarixe: I've also been watching Allison's channels (beauty & vlog channel) for some time now. I particularly enjoy her videos because we have similar tastes.  She's a girly girl, like me! At the end of each month I look forward to her "Monthly Favorites". Also, on her second channel she gives wonderful book reviews, "AllisonReads", and sometimes responds to her favorite TV shows, like Pretty Little Liars.

Itsjudytime: Judy is just awesome! If you're looking for great makeup tutorials Judy's channel is the place to go. Her "First Impression Reviews" are some of my favorites. Best of all, she has a vlogging channel (Itsjudyslife) with her husband, Benji, and three daughters (they just had twins... can you say "Super-parents"?) where they upload every day. Their little girls are absolutely adorable and they are so down to earth! You won't be able to get enough of them.

I wanted to include that most of them also have amazing blogs that you should also go check out. If you would like to show your support, subscribe to their channels. I know you won't regret it!


Who are your favorite YouTube Beauty Gurus? Let me know down below!

Thank you for taking the time to read this!

Until next time!

Review: Chanel Perfection Lumière Velvet

About three weeks ago I wrote a post discussing my favorite foundations (check it out here). One of which was the Chanel Vitalumière Aqua. In it, I mentioned that I was thinking about picking up the new Perfection Lumière Velvet because it might suit my skin type better. So, I did! I've been using this foundation for two weeks now, and couldn't wait to review it for you!

You should know:

• It comes in about nine shades (some with pink undertones and others with yellow).
• It's oil-free.
• It's also water-based (best applied with fingers or a brush; never with a sponge).
• Before application you must shake the product well.
• Similar to the Vitalumière Aqua, but not the same.

Its claims: A lightweight second-skin foundation. It naturally smoothes and evens out the complexion for a velvety matte makeup result. 

Pros:

• It's lightweight (yet a bit thicker than the VA).
• Offers light to medium coverage.
• You don't have to shake it as much as the VA.
• Very blendable / evens out complexion nicely.
• Smooth velvet finish.
• Sets fast (I don't have to wait more than two minutes to apply setting powder. Actually, if you have dry skin you could probably skip the setting powder!).
• Wonderful rose water scent (it's faint & refreshing). But then again, all Chanel foundations have that same great smell.
• Long-lasting coverage. 

Cons: 

• It oxidizes a bit (it's important to keep this in mind while selecting your shade; it also happens with the VA).
• The packaging (even thought I love how "practical & travel friendly" it is... I never know how much product is left in it or when its finished!).

I guess this goes without saying but... I love this foundation!The Perfection Lumière Velvet took everything the Vitalumière Aqua was lacking (in my personal experience) and perfected it. I am glad to announce that I have just found a new "holy grail" foundation!!!

Have you tried this foundation? What are your thoughts? Let me know down below! If you enjoyed this post and/or found it helpful feel free to share it on your favorite social media network.

Thank you for taking the time to read this!

Until next time!

Worth It: Hair Products

All of my life I have had wavy, dry, frizzy hair. Actually, for most of my childhood I just thought I had frizzy uncontrollable hair that could only be tamed with a blow dryer... Big mistake! The constant heat completely fried my hair! Eventually, I was introduced to "mousse", which turned my hair wavy. And wavy it stayed!

I find myself constantly switching out my shampoo and conditioner because my hair conforms to products easily (after a while they no longer have the same effect on my hair). However, there are three products that I repurchase over and over again. No matter how many times I use them I still get the same great result!

Without further a due, here are my three favorite hair products:

Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy Perfect Curl Cream: Well that was a mouthful... seriously how many times did I write "curl"? Name aside..., I thought I would start with my most recent discovery. I've been using this product for three to four consecutive months now (I just keep coming back to it). This product hold up to its claims: eliminates frizz, adds moisture, adds shine, and fights humidity. The humidity part is a big plus for me because I live in such a humid environment and, up to now no other product has been able to provide this "protection". It defines my waves/curls nicely without leaving my hair feeling "crunchy" or weighing it down. Honestly, the only con about this cream is the scent. Don't get me wrong, it's not an offensive odor; I'm just not crazy about it (but, that could just be me).

L'Oreal EverSleek Precious Oil Treatment: This oil treatment is a mixture of argan, sunflower, and olive oil. Its main purpose it to prevent frizz and condition the hair. Also, it's formulated for all hair types. I like to apply to this oil directly onto towel-dried hair and before the Curl Cream. I also make sure to concentrate the product on my ends. I will say that this product might not suit everyone... some might find that its too greasy or that it can weigh your hair down. If this is your case, you can always try the Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Weightless Healing Dry Oil (seriously, what's up with these long name?) I used this "weightless" oil for a long time and it was a great product but, I find that L'Oreal's EverSleek does a better job at conditioning my hair.

Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask: Ok, I love this product!!! I remember using this hair mask once a very long time ago and liking it but, for some reason I stopped using it. Oh how I wish I hadn't! It would have prevented so many bad hair day... But, the important thing is that it made its way back into my life! I use this hair mask once or even twice a week, if my hair looks extra dry or frizzy. Just substitute it with your normal conditioner and leave it in for about five minutes. It'll leave your hair extra soft & shiny. I truly believe that this product has saved my hair. It has never looked and felt healthier.

One of the things that I love most about these products is that they're affordable. Yup, they're all from the drugstore! How great is that? Also, I've included links to the items that are still available online (just click on the item's name).

What are your go to hair product? Let me know down below! If you if enjoyed this post and/or found it helpful feel free to share it on your favorite social media network!

Thank you for taking the time to read this!

Until next time!

Must See: Favorite Audrey Hepburn Movies

During my early teens I (like many others) wasn't really sure of who I was or who I wanted to be, and found inspiration in a very special lady, Audrey Hepburn. What has always captivated me about Audrey is how well rounded she seemed to be. She was elegant, sophisticated, intelligent, talented, & (maybe most important of all) a humanitarian. I think this is why she is so iconic and means so much to so many people. To this day, she is one of the people I idolize the most.

On Sunday, May 4th, Google honored Audrey with a Doodle in celebration of her 85th birthday. That got me thinking about which are my favorite Audrey Hepburn movies of all-time. In an effort to be brief, I choose to share with you my personal top five!

Here we go! (P.S. I've included a link to the trailers of each film. Just click on the movie's title.)

1. Funny Face (1957) - Two words: Fred Astaire! I have to admit that I'm a bit impartial to any movie with this man in it. He is unarguably one of the greatest stars of all time! Fred did it all: act, sing, and dance (and boy could he dance). Funny Face showcases all of Fred Astaire's talents along with Audrey Hepburn's. In this musical Audrey plays Jo, a bookshop employee and amateur philosopher who gets wrapped into a exciting adventure in Paris. This movie is just plain fun. Between the music, choreography, fashion, and scenery you don't have time to get bored. It's absolutely S'Wonderful!

2. Sabrina (1954) - In this romantic comedy Audrey plays Sabrina Fairchild, the chauffeur's daughter, who is madly in love with David, the Larrabee family's youngest son. But, David doesn't even notice Sabrina (yea, like you wouldn't notice someone like Audrey Hepburn...). However, Sabrina undergoes a transformation and becomes an elegant and sophisticated woman. The problem is that David is not the only one who notices, his older brother, Linus (played by the legendary Humphrey Bogart), does as well. This movie is just beautiful! The outfits that Audrey wears are absolutely stunning. So stunning that in 1955 the film won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design. And then of course, the film is full of romance and has some great comedic scene (mostly delivered by William Holden, David). It will sweep you off your feet.

3. Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961) - This is undoubtedly one of Audrey's best known films. Here she plays (the oh so iconic) Holly Golightly, an eccentric socialite, who isn't really who she seems to be. Everything starts to change in Holly's life when she meets her neighbor, Paul, and they start to grow fond of each other. In one word, this film is captivating! It has it all: romance, comedy, fashion, and beautiful scenery (it is set in New York's Upper East Side after all). I can almost guarantee that after seeing this film you'll be running out to purchase a little black dress of your own.

4. My Fair Lady (1964) - Yet another great musical! This time around, Audrey portrays a poor flower girl with a strong Cockney accent, Eliza Doolittle. One day, she is recruited by the arrogant and pompous Professor Henry Higgins, played by Rex Harrison (who also played Professor Higgins in the original stage adaptation), so he can conduct an experiment and win a bet. Will he be able teach Eliza to speak properly and pass her off as a duchess at the Embassy Ball?  And in the process, will Professor Higgins fall for the Cockney flower girl? This charming musical is filled with great numbers, beautiful costumes, and magnificent scenery. In 1964 it won eight Academy Awards, including: Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor. It's a classic for a reason!

5. Charade (1963) - In this fun romantic comedy/mystery Audrey is the newly widowed, Regina "Reggie" Lampert. Reggie starts to discover that her late husband had some dark secrets. And, consequently she is thrown into a wild adventure alongside a mysterious stranger, Peter, played by the wonderful Cary Grant. This movie has lots of mystery, romance, comedy, and lots and lots of plot twists. It is just so amusing! You'll find yourself at the edge of your seat (along with a development of "trust issues"!).

I honestly have to restrain myself from continuing the list! These are just my personal favorites but, there are so many more great Audrey Hepburn movies out there. Some very honorable mentions are: Roman Holiday (which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1953), War and Peace, and Paris When It Sizzles. Like I said, the list can go on!

Audrey was, and continues to be, the epitome grace and kindness. And that is something that will never be "passé". Here's to a true classic!

What is your favorite Audrey Hepburn film? Let me know down below. Also, if you've enjoyed this post feel free to share it on your favorite social media network!

Thank you for taking the time to read this!

Until next time!